Local artist influenced by family, Old Masters
December 28, 2010
NSU alumni to Jindal: Help us help ourselves
December 30, 2010
The Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year party trifecta is coming to a close.
It’s been great, but it’s time to push away from the table, brush the cookie crumbs off your shirt and start working on that resolution.
On every top 10 resolution list is getting in shape but who has the time to spend at a gym?
Curves for Women has taken care of that excuse. The ladies only fitness center has a unique 30 minute workout that can fit into any busy schedule.
Curves has been in Houma for a number of years, but when the franchise became available, Allison Chauvin decided to become a first time business owner.
“I took over the franchise in October and moved the center from Corporate Drive to Enterprise Drive,” Chauvin said.
The Thibodaux native traveled to Atlanta for step-by-step training in the running of a Curves franchise and is receiving one-on-one help until her Jan. 7 and 8 open house.
“I have a coordinator who is working with me. There are a lot of business decisions you have to make when you’re opening a new franchise and she’s a big help,” Chauvin said.
The Curves workout is 30 minutes of circuit training. Chauvin’s franchise has 23 fitness stations arranged in a large circle. Her members work each exercise station for 30 seconds until prompted to move to the next. This continues until they visit each station completing the circuit.
“You work a machine for 30 seconds, then move to a platform and do cardio for 30 seconds. You’re constantly moving through the hydraulic machines doing cardio and strength training at the same time. That is what our 30 minute circuit is all about,” Chauvin explained.
Members are never left on their own to try to figure out what to do next. A coach is in the middle of the circle at all times giving pointers on the machines, ensuring proper form and providing plenty of encouragement.
“Every member’s intensity level is different. If they get on the circuit and want to work harder, we push them harder. If they work too hard and need to get their heart rate lower, we can lower the intensity,” Chauvin said.
It’s not all about circuit training at Curves. Zumba Latin dance aerobics offers a cardiovascular workout that has become a big hit at the fitness center.
“You’re dancing and you’re working out. Our certified instructor Sandi Chauvin is really good and will offer Curves Zumba in the Circuit after the first of the year,” Chauvin said.
This new class involves working on the resistance machines for a minute, then stepping off for a minute of Zumba.
“Part of owning the business is pleasing a whole lot of women n taking care of their wants and needs. Some women don’t want to do Curves Zumba on the Circuit. They just want to dance the whole time. So I have the room for both,” Chauvin said.
Throw in Boot Camp Aerobics, treadmills and elliptical machines and Curves has something to work every one of those not so firm body parts.
Chauvin said what makes her facility unique is that it’s a ladies only center offering not only cardio but strength training.
“Our clients come here to get healthy, to lose weight and to enjoy their workout. It’s a down to earth, relaxed atmosphere. You can come and do what you need to do in 30 minutes,” Chauvin said.
Another feature of the franchise is the Curves Travel Pass. While travelling, clients can take these passes to any Curves facility to continue their fitness training while away from home.
The new business owner said her first few months have been a learning experience and a bit of a challenge.
“I enjoy Curves and I enjoy seeing other people accomplish their fitness and weight goals,” Chauvin said.
Curves for Women owner Allison Chauvin demonstrates one of her resistance training machines. These Smart Machines act as a personal trainer, guiding Curves members through their workouts. JENNIE CHILDS
